THE contractors who have taken over Fletcher Moss Park have hit back against claims they aren't up to the job.

Glendale replaced four dedicated horticulturalists who were transferred by Manchester City Council to other parks in the city.

Since then a public campaign has been launched claiming Glendale staff aren't experienced enough for such a diverse botanical range.

The Horticultural Friends of Wythenshawe Park and Fletcher Moss Gardens is even threatening to cut off support.

However, Mike Brunskill, regional director of Glendale, said: "We clearly understand the value to the local community and would like to reassure everyone that we will work tirelessly to maintain and enhance all aspects of the gardens."

Mr Brunskill said Glendale was an award-winning and leading provider of specialist horticulturist services to both the public and private sectors.

It has been working in partnership with Manchester City Council since 1996 providing horticultural and tree services to a variety of parks and other green spaces in the south of the city.

Its remit was recently extended to include the botanical gardens in Fletcher Moss Park, the rest of which it has maintained since 1996. Mr Brunskill said: "We are proud of the parks' Green Flag status and will strive to maintain this position. We work in partnership with the Manchester Leisure on-site manager who is a horticulturalist of some renown."

He said the maintenance was led by a team of experienced and professional gardeners, many of whom had served at Fletcher Moss during their apprenticeship.

"They look after the collection of alpines, specimen trees and other rare plants with great care and are among some of the most knowledgeable people in the north-west at this discipline," he said.

He went on to say that Glendale had won many accolades including 35 Britain in Bloom awards, 13 Green Flag status parks and three British Association of Landscape Industries National Landscape Awards.

Mr Brunskill added: "We are committed to Manchester and the people who live here."

But his words are unlikely to wash with the Friends of the park who want the four dedicated gardeners to be reinstated at Fletcher Moss.

They are considering withdrawing support if alternatives, like allowing them to go on day release to teach staff at other park, are not considered.

The society, formed 10-years-ago, has 174 members and in the past five years has raised £16,000, some of which was used for the new pergola and alpine house.

Chairman Joyzelle Kelsall said: "We have an interest in seeing these features properly maintained by workers who are treated with the consideration they deserve, and it will be difficult to continue our support if we see our parks suffer as a result of this new scheme."